A protest against the controversial Tissa Vihara, which people claim stands illegally on privately owned land in Thaiyiddy, Jaffna, continued for the second consecutive day today (30) during the Vesak Poya holiday.
Residents and landowners launched the protest yesterday evening (29.05.2026) and continued the demonstration from morning until evening today. Local people regularly organize protests on the eve of every Full Moon Poya Day and continue them throughout the Poya Day itself in opposition to the vihara.
Public and Former MP Join the Demonstration.
Former Member of Parliament Selvarajah Kajendren joined the protest along with landowners and a large number of local residents. Protesters demanded the removal of the vihara from the privately owned land and called for authorities to respect their land rights.
The demonstrators also emphasized that they would continue their peaceful struggle until officials addressed their concerns and provided a permanent solution to the dispute.
Heavy Police Presence Reported in the Area
Authorities deployed a large number of police officers to the protest site as the demonstration continued today. Despite the heavy police presence, protesters carried out their activities peacefully and maintained their demonstration without interruption.
The ongoing protest campaign against the Thaiyiddy Tissa Vihara has now crossed 36 months. Residents have continued the movement consistently through peaceful methods and have repeatedly highlighted their concerns regarding the ownership and use of the land.
